Utah Football Prepares for Opener

8/22/2016 10:48 AM | Football

Season starts on Sept. 1 vs. SUU

Countdown to Kickoff
Classes at the University of Utah began today, signaling the start of the regular-season practice schedule for the Ute football team. Fall practices are closed to the public. Utah will kick off its 2016 campaign against Southern Utah on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. MT in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Inside the Huddle
The Utes have elected five first-time team captains for the 2016 season. Seniors Dominique Hatfield and Hunter Dimick will captain the defense, senior J.J. Dielman and junior Troy Williams the offense, and senior Jason Thompson the special teams … Senior kicker Andy Phillips has made two preseason All-America first teams: ESPN and CBSSports.com. Junior defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei was named a preseason second-team All-American by CBSSports.com … Junior college transfer Armand Shyne was placed on scholarship last week. The sophomore running back has practiced with the Utes since the start of preseason camp … Coinciding with the start of classes, 14 players have joined or rejoined the team, bringing the roster to 124 players. The Aug. 22 additions are: John Aloma (K), Aaron Amaama (OL), Tyler Bell (TE), A.J. Cecil (QB), Duressa Goesse (DB), James Gray (RB), Damian Greene (DB), Connor Haller (DB), Trace Hobbs (TE), Trevor Horlacher (DE), Quinn Meier (RB), Justin Tatola (LB), Sam Whittingham (LB) and Mason Woodward (RB) … Junior quarterback Brandon Cox has left the team. Cox received a bachelor's degree in communication last spring.

More honors for @AndyDPhillips with first team All-America nod from @ESPNCFB: https://t.co/NR4vwbrqzJ #goutes pic.twitter.com/NYfoVbirmH
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 22, 2016

Outside the Lines
Utah was third among the "others receiving votes" in the 2016 AP and Coaches' preseason top 25 polls, issued on Aug. 21. The Utes finished the 2015 season ranked No. 17 in the AP poll and No. 16 in the Coaches' poll … Utah fans will checker Rice-Eccles Stadium in red and white for the opener against SUU on Sept. 1. A map showing what color to wear can be found at UtahUtes.com/CheckerRiceEccles ... This season marks the 20th anniversary of Utah's athletic mascot Swoop. There will be a birthday presentation with Swoop during halftime of the SUU game … Utah's game against SUU is designated as University of Utah Staff Appreciation Day. University of Utah faculty and staff may purchase discounted tickets for $20 at https://utahtickets.com/facultystaff-discounts/#single-game-appreciation-days.